Organisations across Newcastle are joining forces to encourage drivers to leave their cars at home in favour of public transport and active travel on World Car Free Day.
Free prizes, treats, guided walks and rides, bike workshops and much more will be on offer around the city on Monday September 22 for those taking part.
The city’s plans are aimed at encouraging drivers, whether they’re commuting, doing the school run, studying or even just visiting, towards a cleaner, healthier, and more connected lifestyle.
By leaving the car behind, you’re doing more than cutting emissions. You’re boosting your health, saving money, and reducing congestion. Newcastle is coming together – institutions, businesses, schools, and families – to take a step in the right direction.
Switching to active travel options has shown to:
- Improve heart health
- Help you feel more energised
- Save on fuel and parking
- Reduce air pollution
- Allow you to connect with Newcastle in a different ways
The plans have been collaboratively created by a host of city organisations, including NE1, Newcastle College, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Recyke y’bike, Newcastle Airport, Newcastle Hospitals, Newcastle City Council, Eldon Square, Nexus, Living Streets, Mobility Ways, Stagecoach and Rise.
A spokesperson speaking on behalf on the organisations involved said: “Newcastle’s Car Free Day is a partnership of organisations from across the city who have been coordinating activities and initiatives for World Car Free Day.
“It’s been a privilege to see us all come together, in order to celebrate travelling sustainably, healthier lifestyles and Newcastle’s unique community."
Cllr Juna Sathian, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Climate and Transport, added: “Travelling sustainably, for those for whom it is appropriate and possible, is widely recognised to be healthier for us as individuals and better for our surrounding environment.
“I’m really proud to see so many great institutions coming together for Car Free Day this month to encourage people to make the pledge and leave their cars at home if they’re able to do so.
“We want people to experience other ways of accessing our city, explore the benefits it may bring to them, and hopefully bring about lasting change which benefits our city as a whole.
“I look forward to seeing people come together on September 22 to give Car Free Day a chance.”
A designated Newcastle Car Free Day website – carfreeday.uk – has been set up to provide full details of the activities on offer on the day. There, visitors to the site can also make the ‘car free pledge’ to commit to travelling without their car on September 22, and explore all the different offers being provided by participating organisations.
No Car Free Day specific road closures or vehicular restrictions will be in place as a result of the Car Free Day plans.